Gabi Novickas played a variety of sports when she was younger, and was on two varsity teams as a freshman at Marist.
But there’s no doubt where her heart lies.
“It’s been an honor to wear the RedHawk jersey and compete with some of the best in the state,” said Novickas, who also plays first base for the Beverly Bandits in the summer. “When I was younger, I did gymnastics, soccer, a lot of sports. I even did a season of basketball on the varsity when I was a freshman.
“I love both sports, but I love softball more. It’s my passion. I love the people you meet, the opportunity to travel the country, and go to so many places. It’s just a very fun sport to be around. There’s a big mental and physical aspect, but also a lot of failure in it. It teaches you life lessons.”
There hasn’t been much failure for Novickas, a Georgia commit who is the Southwest Regional Softball Player of the Year.
A four-year varsity player, the past three as the starting third baseman, Novickas helped the RedHawks to a 139-15-1 record — 108-9 over the last three years.
Marist played for the Class 4A state title in each of her first three seasons, winning it in 2023. The RedHawks fell short of state this year, losing 5-1 to eventual 4A champion Oswego in a supersectional.
“Gabi had a great career and was unbelievable,” Marist coach Colleen Phelan said. “I know everyone admires her towering home runs. But her defense was outstanding as well.”
This season, Novickas was named an Illinois Coaches Association All-State first-teamer for the second straight season. She batted .483, had 20 home runs, tied the school record (with Bree Hanik) of 19 doubles, had 53 RBIs and scored 55 runs for the second straight season.
Novickas also had 56 hits for the second straight season, while walking 21 times to finish with a .563 on-base percentage and a 1.181 slugging percentage. She was also the ESCC Player of the Year.
After being used mostly as a pinch hitter as a freshman, she took over at third base in 2023. She hit .446 with 18 homers and 51 RBI that spring, and in 2024 batted .471 with a team-leading 19 homers and 61 RBIs.
“I hit one more home run each year, so that was in the back of my mind because it’s always nice to hit a home run,” said Novickas, whose 57 homers are second in program history behind Angela Zedak’s 59. “When I look back, I’ll think of how different each year was, but in a good way. All four years, I made the best friends.
“We had such a bond with the team this year. In my younger years, I looked up to the older girls. This season, I just went out and had fun. Even though it didn’t end the way we wanted, I’m proud of the season.”
Phelan was certainly happy that Novickas chose softball.
“I first saw her play when I was coaching a 10u Bandits team,” Phelan said. “At first, she was a pitcher, but she put all her energy into defense and hitting. She was extremely consistent, and her stats weren’t off by much in each of the past two years.
“I’m going to miss having that beast out there. But she’s going to do great at Georgia.”
After one visit, Novickas knew that the Bulldogs were the program for her.
“I knew right away that this was it,” she said. “It was my third visit, and I had others scheduled. But I committed on the spot. … There was a feeling that this is where I belong. Everyone is so involved, and I couldn’t get the smile off my face.”
There were a lot of smiles for Novickas at Marist, too.
“I’d say my favorite time was the bus ride to Marist after we won the state championship my sophomore season,” Novickas said. “Listening to music and dancing on the bus, knowing the hard work paid off, and we won that state championship.
“It was just a special moment that we shared.”